Greek court finds 4 guilty in major 2022 spyware scandal
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A Greek court has convicted two Greeks and two Israelis in a landmark case involving the illegal use of Predator spyware, which targeted over 90 individuals, including politicians, journalists, and military officials. The defendants were found guilty of breaching telephone confidentiality, tampering with personal data systems, and illegally accessing information, resulting in a combined sentence of 126 years and eight months. This case, dubbed the "Greek Watergate," stemmed from allegations by opposition leader Nikos Androulakis and journalist Thanasis Koukakis, who claimed they were under surveillance through malware植入 on their phones.
The scandal erupted in early 2022 when Koukakis discovered his phone was infected with Predator software, which enabled unauthorized access to messages, photos, and microphone/camera activation. The independent telecommunications authority ADAE confirmed that the spyware was used to monitor over 90 individuals. Among the defendants was Tal Dilian, a former Israeli soldier and founder of Intellexa, a company specializing in supplying Predator spyware to Greece. His business partner and two Greek executives were also implicated.
The case has had significant political repercussions, leading to the resignation of senior officials within Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's administration, including Panagiotis Kontoleon, the head of EYP (Greek intelligence agency). The government has denied any wrongdoing, claiming lawful monitoring of Androulakis. However, the scandal prompted judicial investigations and a no-confidence motion in parliament against Mitsotakis.
This verdict highlights the global concerns over the misuse of surveillance technology and its implications for privacy and governance. The case underscores the potential dangers of advanced spyware in undermining democratic processes and individual freedoms, making it a critical issue for readers interested in cybersecurity and international politics.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026